BEFORE the Conversation
- ☐ Choose a quiet space — carpet and soft furniture absorb sound; avoid rooms with glass walls, metal surfaces, or hard floors that create echo
- ☐ Set up two recording devices — use two smartphones, tablets, or recorders for redundancy in case one fails
- ☐ Test both devices — record a 10-second clip and play it back to verify audio quality
- ☐ Place devices in the center — position them in the middle of the circle, within 6 feet of all participants
- ☐ Review your conversation guide — know it well enough to guide naturally; don't read it verbatim
- ☐ Prepare your consent language — review the exact wording you'll read aloud (See Capturing Consent article)
DURING the Conversation
- ☐ Read the consent statement exactly as written — do not paraphrase or skip any part
- ☐ Embrace silence — count to 10 in your head before jumping in after a question; silence gives people space to think
- ☐ Redirect opinion to story — when someone gives an opinion, try: "Could you tell us about an experience that shaped how you feel?"
- ☐ Invite quieter voices — periodically check in: "We haven't heard from everyone yet — anyone want to add something?"
- ☐ Build on what's shared — connect participants to each other: "Does that resonate with anyone else?"
AFTER the Conversation
- ☐ Verify recordings saved — check both devices immediately; play back a few seconds from each
- ☐ Thank participants — express genuine appreciation for their time and stories
- ☐ Upload to the platform within 48 hours — the sooner you upload, the less risk of losing recordings
Quick Reference: Four Facilitator Mindsets
| Mindset | In Practice |
|---|---|
| Asset-Based | See participants as experts on their own lives, not subjects to study. |
| Nonjudgmental | Receive every story with equal respect, regardless of your personal views. |
| Curious | Follow up on what surprises you, not just what confirms your expectations. |
| Supportive | Create safety through warmth, eye contact, and affirmation — people share more when they feel held. |
Want to go deeper? Watch the learning path "Hosting Conversations" for the complete framework, step-by-step walkthroughs of each question form, and the journey from curiosity to clarity.